U.S. patent application number 11/618540 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for digital content access.
Invention is credited to Matthew J. Coburn, LeRoy Ellis, Chris Michaelson, Daniel L. Rudolph, Jiang Xu, Ting Yuan.
Application Number | 20080163307 11/618540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39585981 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080163307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coburn; Matthew J. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
DIGITAL CONTENT ACCESS
Abstract
A system for accessing entertainment options includes a graphic
user interface generator that generates program listing display
data to display a listing of programs available for downloading to
a user on an associated display device. A user may select one or
more programs from the listing displayed on the associated display
device using the user access device, thereby initiating download of
the selected program by the communication component. The storage
device stores user history data, which is used to generate
recommendation display data based upon the recommendation data to
enable the user to view and/or select for download recommended
programs. The graphic user interface generator may generate
download queue data for display on the associated display device,
wherein the displayed download queue data enables the user to view
and/or edit the current download status of each program to be
downloaded. The program data from the remote communication system
may include real-time programs broadcast by the remote
communication system, program guide data including current and
future broadcast program information, and download program data
including programs available for download from the remote
communication system, which the user may search using the user
access device.
Inventors: |
Coburn; Matthew J.; (Denver,
CO) ; Ellis; LeRoy; (Parker, CO) ; Michaelson;
Chris; (Castle Rock, CO) ; Rudolph; Daniel L.;
(Castle Rock, CO) ; Xu; Jiang; (Aurora, CO)
; Yuan; Ting; (Greenwood Village, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
c/o Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 370 Seventeenth St, Suite 4700
Denver
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
39585981 |
Appl. No.: |
11/618540 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/61 ;
348/E5.105; 348/E7.071 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4147 20130101;
H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 21/488 20130101; H04N 21/4335 20130101;
H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/478 20130101;
H04N 21/6547 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N 21/44222
20130101; H04N 21/4104 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N
21/4312 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/4314 20130101;
H04N 21/47214 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/61 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445 |
Claims
1. A system for accessing entertainment options, comprising: a
communication component for transmitting and receiving program data
to and from a remote communication system; a graphic user interface
generator for generating display data to be displayed on an
associated display device, the display data generated at least
partially based on a user history; and a receiver for receiving
input data from a user access device; wherein the program data
includes a listing of programs available for downloading to the
system from the remote communication system via the communication
component; wherein the graphic user interface generator generates
program listing display data to display the listing of programs
available for downloading to a user on the associated display
device; and wherein the user may select one or more programs from
the listing displayed on the associated display device using the
user access device, thereby initiating download of the selected
program by the communication component.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage device for
storing the program data and the user history data.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a processor operative
to generate recommendation data based upon the stored user history
data.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the graphic user interface
generator generates recommendation display data based upon the
recommendation data to enable the user to view recommended
program.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the selected program may be
selected by the user for downloading using the user access
device.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the downloaded programs may be
rented such that the selected program download is available for
viewing by the user for a predetermined period of time or purchased
such that the selected program download is available for viewing by
the user for an unlimited period of time.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the graphic user interface
generator generates rental time display data indicating the amount
of viewing time remaining for each rented program download.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the system displays an estimated
download time for each available program.
9. A system for accessing entertainment options, comprising: a
communication component for transmitting and receiving program data
to and from a remote communication system; a storage device for
storing the program data; a processor; a graphic user interface
generator for generating display data to be displayed on an
associated display device; and a receiver for receiving input data
from a user access device; wherein the program data includes a
listing of programs available for downloading to the system from
the remote communication system via the communication component;
wherein the graphic user interface generator generates program
listing display data to display the listing of programs available
for downloading to a user on the associated display device; wherein
the user may select one or more programs from the listing displayed
on the associated display device using the user access device,
thereby initiating download of the selected program by the
communication component; and wherein the graphic user interface
generator generates download queue data for display on the
associated display device, the displayed download queue data
enabling the user to view a current download status of each program
to be downloaded.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the user can change a download
queue order of one or more programs to be downloaded using the user
access device.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the selected programs may be
rented such that the selected program download is available for
viewing by the user for a predetermined period of time or purchased
such that the selected program download is available for viewing by
the user for an unlimited period of time.
12. A method for accessing entertainment options, comprising:
receiving program data from a remote communication system, the
program data comprising a listing of programs available for access;
storing the program data; generating display data to be displayed
on an associated display device, the display data associated with
the program data; receiving input data from a user access device;
generating program listing display data to display the listing of
programs available for access on the associated display device;
receiving an indication that at least one program has been selected
from the listing of programs available for access; in response to
receiving the indication, initiating download of the selected
program.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the remote communication system
is the Internet.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user access device is a
wireless remote control.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is executed by a
digital video recording device connected to the Internet.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein: the remote communication
system is a satellite broadcast system; and the method is executed
by a digital video recording device connected to the satellite
broadcast system.
17. A system for accessing entertainment options, comprising: a
communication component for transmitting and receiving program data
to and from a remote communication system, the program data
including real-time programs broadcast by the remote communication
system, program guide data including current and future broadcast
program information, and download program data including programs
available for download from the remote communication system; a
storage device for storing the program guide data and the download
program data; a graphic user interface generator for generating
display data to be displayed on an associated display device; and a
receiver for receiving input data from a user access device;
wherein the program data includes a listing of programs available
for downloading to the system from the remote communication system
via the communication component; and wherein a user may search the
stored download program data or program guide data by entering one
or more search criteria using the user access device.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the user may enter a keyword,
actor name, program title, or program theme as a search
criterion.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein: the remote communication
system is the Internet; the receiver is a digital video recording
device; and the display device is a television.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more search criteria
is at least one metadatum associated with at least one
entertainment option.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for enabling a
user to access a plurality of digital content, including the
selection, viewing, recording, and downloading of audiovisual and
multimedia programs, such as television programs and movies, and
access to information, such as electronic program guide information
and recommended program information, using a television screen,
computer monitor, or other display on which a graphic user
interface or series of interfaces may be displayed and a user
access device, such as a wireless remote control, by which the user
may access the entertainment options provided by the graphic user
interface(s).
BACKGROUND
[0002] The proliferation and convergence of digital services and
content, and particularly entertainment, has lead to a wide array
of options for both receiving and displaying such content and
services. Presently, digital services and/or content may be
accessed by a user through a number of different devices connected
to a number of different networks. If a specific service or content
is desired, the user may need to access several different networks
through several different devices to locate the content.
[0003] Additionally, each device and/or network may present
services and content in a different manner. Many devices lack
anything but the most basic organization of content and/or
services, instead presenting options to a user in a manner that
obscures the desired content/service.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
method and system for accessing digital services and content,
including entertainment options.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A system is provided to enable a user to access a plurality
of entertainment options in which a user is presented with one or
more graphic user interfaces. The user is able to access various
entertainment options using a user access device, such as a remote
control. Entertainment options may include selection, viewing,
recording, rental, purchase, editing, deleting or other desired
functions relating to audiovisual and multimedia programs, such as
television programs, movies, and other types of audiovisual
programs.
[0006] In one embodiment, the system enables a user to access
entertainment options using a wireless (e.g., radio frequency or
infrared) remote control device, which is used to input the user's
desired selections in response to in a series of graphic user
interfaces presented to the user. Using the remote control device
and the series of graphic user interfaces, the user may access an
electronic programming guide providing summary information about
programs available for viewing, for example, current and future
programs. The user accesses the electronic programming guide (EPG)
by transmitting a request for display of the EPG to the system,
which generates the appropriate graphic user interface. The user
may also access additional program details, such as detailed
information about selected programs, or perform searching
functions, for example, to find a specific program or channel, by
transmitting commands to the system as instructed by the graphic
user interface.
[0007] In addition to accessing program information in the EPG, the
system further enables the user to access menu selections by which
the user may access customer support functionality, digital video
recording options, program rental and/or purchasing options, as
well as options relating to video games and other types of
multimedia entertainment. Options may include downloading and/or
playing of programs, games, or other multimedia, sorting program
listings, editing or deleting programs or program listings, program
rental or purchase, searching, for example, by keyword or program
theme, and/or any other options as desired by the user and/or
implementer of the system.
[0008] A system for accessing entertainment options may include a
communication component for transmitting and receiving program data
to and from a remote communication system; a storage device for
storing the program data; a processor; a graphic user interface
generator for generating display data to be displayed on an
associated display device; and a receiver for receiving input data
from a user access device. The program data may include a listing
of programs available for downloading to the system from the remote
communication system via the communication component. The graphic
user interface generator may generate program listing display data
to display the listing of programs available for downloading to the
user on the associated display device. A user may select one or
more programs from the listing displayed on the associated display
device using the user access device, thereby initiating download of
the selected program by the communication component. The storage
device stores user history data, representing, for example, past
purchases, past recordings, and past viewing history of the user.
The processor generates recommendation data based upon the stored
user history data, and the graphic user interface generator
generates recommendation display data based upon the recommendation
data to enable the user to view and/or select for downloading
recommended programs.
[0009] The downloaded programs may be rented such that the selected
program download is available for viewing by the user for a
predetermined period of time or purchased such that the selected
program download is available for viewing by the user for an
unlimited period of time. The graphic user interface generator may
generate rental time display data indicating the amount of viewing
time remaining for each rented program download or estimated
download time display data indicating an estimated download time
for each available program.
[0010] An alternative system for accessing entertainment options
may include the communication component, storage device, processor,
graphic user interface generator for generating display data to be
displayed on an associated display device, and receiver for
receiving input data from a user access device as described above,
wherein the program data includes a listing of programs available
for downloading to the system from the remote communication system
via the communication component and the graphic user interface
generator generates program listing display data to display the
listing of programs available for downloading to the user on the
associated display device. A user may select one or more programs
from the listing displayed on the associated display device using
the user access device, thereby initiating download of the selected
program by the communication component. The graphic user interface
generator generates download queue data for display on the
associated display device, such that the displayed download queue
data enables the user to view a current download status of each
program to be downloaded, including queue position, estimated
download time, and/or time remaining for ongoing downloads. The
user may be able to change the download queue order of one or more
programs to be downloaded using the user access device.
[0011] The user also may be able to access content and other
information about any of the programs available for downloading by
selecting or highlighting a program from the listing displayed on
the associated display device using the user access device,
whereupon the content and other information is automatically
displayed.
[0012] Another alternate system for accessing entertainment options
may include a communication component for transmitting and
receiving program data to and from a remote communication system,
wherein the program data includes real-time programs broadcast by
the remote communication system, program guide data including
current and future real-time broadcast program information, and
download program data including programs available for download
from the remote communication system. A storage device may be
provided for storing the program guide data and the download
program data. A processor and graphic user interface generator also
may be provided. A user may search the stored download program data
and/or program guide data by entering one or more search criteria
into a graphic user interface generated by a graphic user interface
generator using the user access device. In one embodiment, the user
may enter a keyword, actor name, program title, or program theme as
a search criterion. Broadly, any metadata associated with one or
more programs or entertainment options may be used as a search
criterion.
[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described
illustrative embodiments of the invention, including best modes
contemplated for carrying out the invention. As it will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 provides a diagram of the components of an exemplary
system for accessing entertainment options.
[0015] FIG. 1A provides a functional block diagram of an exemplary
method for accessing entertainment options performed by the system
of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 2 provides a diagram of an exemplary user access device
for use in the system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary graphic user interface of a
"Main Menu" that may be displayed as part of the user interface of
the system of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIGS. 4-12B depict exemplary graphic user interfaces through
which the functionality of the system of FIG. 1. may be
implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A system and method for accessing entertainment options will
now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 provides a diagram of an exemplary system 100 for
accessing entertainment options. The system 100 includes a
communication component 101 for receiving entertainment programs,
such as television programs, movies, and other multimedia programs,
as well as transmitting and receiving various other types of data
to and from a wired or wireless remote communication system 140
provided by, for example, a conventional broadcast television
service provider, cable television service provider, satellite
television service provider, Internet or IP-based service provider,
or other type of service provider or combination of service
providers. The communication component may be implemented as a
satellite transmitter/receiver, cable transmitter/receiver, IP data
transmitter/receiver, or any other type of wired or wireless
transmitter/receiver that performs the functionality described
above.
[0021] System 100 further includes one or more storage devices 102
for storing entertainment programs and the various types of data
received by the communication component 101, including program
guide data and download program data, as well as graphic user
interface display data, input data received from one or more users
as described below in detail, and any other data needed to support
the functionality of the system 100.
[0022] System 100 also includes a graphic user interface generator
103, a receiver 104 for receiving input data from one or more user
access devices 120, a display 105, and a processor 110 coupled to
components 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 for implementing the
functionality of the system 100.
[0023] Receiver 104 may be implemented as within communication
component 101 or may be implemented as a separate component within
system 100 (as shown in FIG. 1). The receiver 104 may be, for
example, a radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) receiver that
receives input data from the user access device 102. The input data
is generated when the user enters data, selections, commands, and
other inputs into the user access device 120, for example, by
pressing various buttons or keys. In one embodiment, the receiver
104 only receives data from the user access device 120, and there
is no transmission of data from the system 100 to the user access
device 120. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 104 may also act
as a transmitter and transmit data, for example, confirmation data,
entertainment option data, etc., from the system 100 to the user
access device 120, for example, using RF or IR data transmission.
The user access device 120 may be a conventional wired or wireless
remote control unit (see FIG. 2), or a device that both transmits
and receives data from the system 100.
[0024] Graphic user interface (GUI) generator 103 generates a user
interface for system 100 that enables a user to access a plurality
of entertainment options. The GUI generator generates display data
that is displayed to a user via display 105. Display 105 may be,
for example, a television monitor or screen, computer monitor, or
any other type of display device that displays the display data to
enable a user to access entertainment options provided by the
system 100.
[0025] The display data generated by GUI generator 103 may include
data concerning entertainment options and programs, for example,
received by the system 100 from the remote communication system 140
via communication component 101. Data concerning entertainment
programs and options is received by the communication component
101, stored in storage 102, and accessed by the GUI generator 103
by the processor 110 based upon input data received from the user
access device 102 by receiver 104. Formatting data used by the GUI
generator to generate the display data also may be stored in
storage 102 or in the GUI generator 103, and may be updated or
otherwise modified by data received from the remote communication
system 140 via communication component 101. Display data may
include program information, related commands or selection options,
setup data, customer service access options, and other types of
display data desired by the user and/or implementer of the system
100. Various displays of display data are provided in FIGS. 3-12B,
discussed in detail below.
[0026] A digital video recording device ("DVR") 130 is also
provided, either as an integrated component of system 100 (as shown
in FIG. 1) or as a separate component functionally coupled to
system 100. DVR 130 generates and stores digital recordings of
programs as selected by the user of system 100. The DVR 130
recordings may be scheduled, accessed, sorted, edited, and deleted
via a user interface generated by GUI generator 103. Exemplary user
interfaces that provide DVR options are illustrated in FIGS. 5-6
and described in further detail below.
[0027] The assembly of components of system 100 shown in FIG. 1
provides one example as to how system 100 may be implemented. The
functionality of system 100 also may be implemented by alternative
configurations and combinations of components as desired by the
system implementer.
[0028] FIG. 1A provides a functional block diagram of functionality
of the system 100 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1A, the system 100 receives
and stores all data necessary to perform the functions of the
system (150). This data may include entertainment programs, program
guide data, information about the entertainment programs,
television broadcasts, program download data, movie and other
entertainment channel transmissions, GUI display format data,
customer service data, setup data, customer history and/or account
data, and any other types of data. The received data may be stored
in storage 102, or, in the case of television broadcasts and other
real-time feeds from the remote communication system 140, the
signals may be made available in real time on the user's display
105 as a conventional broadcast, cable, or satellite broadcast.
[0029] When a user turns on the display 105, the display defaults
to a default display mode (151), for example, by displaying a
real-time broadcast on the channel last selected by the user, by
displaying an electronic program guide (EPG), or by displaying a
default menu of entertainment options to the user (for example,
"Main Menu" as illustrated in FIG. 3).
[0030] Upon receipt of input data from the user access device 120
(152), the receiver 104 transmits the input data to processor 110,
which processes the input data (153) and directs the appropriate
components of the system 100 to perform one or more functions based
upon the contents of the input data from the user access device
120. The components of system 100 then carry out the requested
function (154).
[0031] For example, the input data may constitute a request that
the system 100 display certain information to the user or perform a
specific function. A request may be, for example, a request for the
system to change the channel displayed on the display 105; a
request to play a recorded or downloaded program; a request to
display the EPG; a request to display a menu of options, for
example, relating to downloading of entertainment programs; or any
other type of display requested by the input data from the user
access device 120.
[0032] The input data may alternatively constitute a request
wherein the user desires the system 100 to perform a specific
function. Such function requests may include, for example, setup
commands, search commands, downloading commands, requests for
connection with customer support, and other types of commands.
[0033] In response to the request from the user access device 120,
the processor 110 of system 100 carries out the function associated
with the request in the input data from the user access device 120
(154). Each function may comprise a defined series of steps, e.g.,
stored in storage 102 and implemented under the control of
processor 110, that the components of system 100 must perform to
complete the requested function.
[0034] For example, upon receiving a display request, the system
100 displays the selected channel (by changing the channel to which
the television is tuned), program (from a selection of stored or
otherwise accessible programs), EPG (for example, as obtained by
communication component 101 from the remote communication system
140), menu (generated by GUI generator 103) or other information
requested by the input data.
[0035] In another example, in response to a search request, the
processor 110 searches the data stored in storage 102 using the
search criteria received from the user access device 120 and
displays the search results to the user by providing them to the
GUI generator 103, which generates search result display data for
display 105, for example, using a predefined display format stored
in storage 102 or in GUI generator 103.
[0036] In other examples, in response to a setup request, the
processor 110 performs the associated changes to the system 100
setup. In response to a download request (for example, a program
purchase or rental request), processor 110 directs communication
component 101 to transmit a request for the selected download to
the remote communication system 140, and, upon receiving the
requested download from the remote communication system 140, to
store the download to storage 102. In response to a request for
customer service support, the processor 110 may enable
communication between a customer support center and the system 100
to enable the user to obtain customer support functions.
[0037] After completing the selected request associated with the
received input data from the user access device 120, processor 110
directs GUI generator 103 to generate result display data (155)
confirming completion of the requested function (and/or status
display data indicating the status of the command, such as download
progress, and/or error data indicating that the command associated
with the input data has not been completed).
[0038] In some instances, the result display data may prompt the
user to enter subsequent input data via the user access device 120
(156), which is processed by the system 100 as described above with
reference to functions 152-156.
[0039] Various types of display requests and function requests are
described in further detail below with reference to FIGS.
3-12B.
[0040] FIG. 2 provides a diagram of an exemplary user access device
120 for use with system 100 in FIG. 1. Other configurations of user
access devices may be used to access the functionality of the
system, including user access devices 120 that receive and display
data from the system 100. User access devices having buttons with
different labels, different or combined functionality, and/or
different arrangements than those shown in on remote 200 are also
contemplated.
[0041] In FIG. 2, the user access device 200 is a wireless IR or RF
universal remote control device that includes buttons to enable a
user to perform functions relating to the television, VCR,
satellite, and other auxiliary device, as well as access the
functionality of the system 100.
[0042] For example, a user may press button 201 "Guide," which
transmits display function input data to the system 100,
instructing the system 100 to display an electronic guide or EPG.
Similarly, the user may press the "DVR" button 202 to transmit
display function input data to instruct the system to display "DISH
on Demand" or "My Recordings" user interface screens, described in
detail below with reference to FIGS. 4-5. A "Menu" button 204 may
be provided to access the main menu of the system 100 user
interface, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. A "Select" button 203
may also be provided. Additionally, a "Search" button (not shown)
may be provided to enable the user to access searching
functionality of the system 100 (described below in further detail
with reference to FIGS. 12-12B). Arrow keys 210 may also be
provided to enable the user to navigate the entertainment options
displayed in the graphic user interfaces generated by the system
100.
[0043] FIG. 3 provides an exemplary "Main Menu" display that may be
generated by GUI generator 103 of system 100. A user may access the
"Main Menu" of the user interface of system 100 by pressing an
associated function button on the user access device 120, for
example, the "Menu" button 204 on remote 200. With reference to
FIG. 1, when the receiver 104 receives the "Menu" input data from
the user access device 120, the input data is provided to processor
110, which directs the GUI generator 103 to generate the "Main
Menu" display data for display 105.
[0044] The "Main Menu" shown in FIG. 3 provides an exemplary
graphic user interface by which the user may access a number of
entertainment options, including "Program Guide" (to display the
EPG), "Themes & Search," "Customer Support," "Multimedia,"
"Locks," "System Setup," "Daily Schedule," "Preferences," "DISH on
Demand," and "Cancel" options. Each of these selections may be
accessed by the user by using the arrow buttons and "Select" button
203 on remote 200. Additional or alternative options (or different
names for similar options) may be included in the "Main Menu."
[0045] If a user selects the "DISH on Demand" option from the "Main
Menu" of FIG. 3, the "DISH on Demand" user interface menu appears
as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary graphic user
interface 400 that enables a user to select from a number of
entertainment options as described below. The menu options of the
user interface are accessed by the user's manipulation of a user
access device 120, such as remote 200 (shown on the right side of
FIG. 4) on which the user manipulates the arrow buttons 210 and
"Select" button 203 to select from the menu options displayed on
the user's display.
[0046] The user interface menu display of FIG. 4 enables users to
select from a plurality of entertainment options: "My Recordings,"
"Movies and More," "TV Entertainment," "DISH Online," "Discover
DISH," and "Cancel." The "DISH on Demand" menu also or
alternatively may be accessed by pressing a dedicated button on the
user access device 120, for example, the "DVR" button 202 on remote
200 shown in FIG. 2.
[0047] In response to the user's selection of the "My Recordings"
entertainment option, system 100 displays a user interface (e.g.,
500 in FIG. 5) listing programs previously recorded by the user
using the user's DVR, which may be implemented as an integral
component 130 of system 100 as shown in FIG. 1, or as a separate
component. The "My Recordings" option also or alternatively may be
accessed by pressing a dedicated button (not shown) on the user
access device 120. Additional details concerning the "My
Recordings" option is provided below with reference to FIGS. 5, 5A,
5B, and 6.
[0048] Selection of the "Movies and More" entertainment option may
provide access to a list of available on-demand programs, such as
movies and other types of programs. On-demand programs may include
programs that are automatically downloaded to system 100 from the
remote communication system 140 and stored in storage 102. These
on-demand programs are stored in storage 102 of system 100 for a
predetermined period of time, as determined by the remote
communication system 140. The user does not select which programs
are provided as on-demand programs by the system 100. Thus, by
accessing the "Movies and More" entertainment option, the user is
presented with a user interface that enables the user to select one
or more of the on-demand programs for viewing, for example, by
paying a viewing fee (e.g., program rental or purchase fee)
associated with the selected program(s). Once the user has
completed the on-demand program selection (and payment) process,
the user may view the selected program(s) immediately without the
need to download the selected program(s) from the remote
communication system 140.
[0049] Selection of the "TV Entertainment" entertainment option may
provide access to a list of available on-demand television
programs, such as previously-aired television programs. Like the
on-demand programs discussed above, the on-demand television
programs are programs that are automatically downloaded to system
100 from the remote communication system 140 and stored in storage
102 for a predetermined period of time determined by the remote
communication system 140. The user does not select which television
programs are provided as on-demand television programs by the
system 100. Thus, by accessing the "TV Entertainment" entertainment
option, the user is presented with a user interface that enables
the user to select one or more of the on-demand television programs
for viewing, for example, by paying a viewing fee (e.g., program
rental or purchase fee) associated with the selected program(s).
Once the user has completed the on-demand television program
selection (and payment) process, the user may view the selected
television program(s) immediately without the need to download the
selected program(s) from the remote communication system 140.
[0050] Selection of the "DISH Online" entertainment option of the
"DISH on Demand" in FIG. 4 enables the user to access downloading
options concerning rental and purchase of programs, such as movies,
games, etc., beyond those available as on-demand options.
Additional details concerning the "DISH on Demand" selection are
provided below with reference to FIGS. 4-12.
[0051] Selection of the "Discover DISH" option of the "DISH on
Demand" of FIG. 4 enables the user to access content describing,
for example, the system equipment, programs, services, as well as
tutorials and videos that enable the user to learn about the system
100. For example, tutorials may be provided to instruct the user on
how to record programs, how to set up a timer, how to manage the
user's account, etc. This entertainment option may be implemented
to provide any information desired by the user and/or system
implementer.
[0052] Finally, selection of the "Cancel" option of the "DISH on
Demand" in FIG. 4 returns the user to a previous menu, such as the
"Main Menu" of FIG. 3, or to the program being shown on the user's
display 105.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary user interface menu 500 entitled
"My Recordings," which is displayed when the user selects this
option from the "DISH on Demand" menu of FIG. 4. The "My
Recordings" user interface displays a listing of programs
previously recorded by DVR 130. In the exemplary user interface
500, some of the previously recorded programs are organized in
folders. For example, the "Spongebob" listing represents a folder
containing 27 previously recorded episodes of the program
"Spongebob." A folder icon is provided to the left of the
"Spongebob" listing to indicate that this is a folder, and not an
individual program. The remainder of the programs shown in
interface 500 are individual programs.
[0054] The user interface 500 provides several options from which
the user may select. First, the user may select to watch one of the
recorded programs or open a program folder to see a listing of
individual recordings in the folder by highlighting the desired
recording using arrow keys 210 and pressing the "Select" button 203
on remote 200. Additionally, user interface 500 provides the user
with the following options: "Sort," which enables the user to sort
recordings based upon various sorting criteria, such as keyword,
title, recording time and/or date, program theme (action, comedy,
romance, horror, foreign, documentary, etc.), etc.; "Edit," which
is discussed in detail below with reference to FIG. 6; "Schedule,"
which enables the user to view upcoming recordings and to schedule
additional DVR recordings; "History," which shows the user's
recording history; and "Done," which enables the user to exit the
user interface 500 and, for example, return to a previous menu such
as the "DISH on Demand" menu of FIG. 4 or to the program being
shown in the user's display 105. Additional options may also be
included as desired by the system implementer and/or user.
[0055] FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary user interface 501 that is
generated by the system 100 when the user selects the "Spongebob"
folder shown in interface 500 of FIG. 5. In interface 501, a
listing of the individual recordings stored in the "Spongebob"
folder (FIG. 5) is shown. Each of these individual recordings may
be selected by the user through manipulation of the arrow keys 210
and "Select" button 203 on remote 200. The user may also select
"Sort," "Edit," or "Done" options from interface 501. The "Sort"
option enables the user to sort recordings based upon various
sorting criteria, such as keyword, title, recording time and/or
date, program theme, etc. The "Done" option enables the user to
exit the user interface 501 and, for example, return to a previous
menu such as the "My Recordings" menu of FIG. 5 or to the program
being shown in the user's display 105. Additional options may also
be included as desired by the system implementer and/or user. The
options may be accessed, for example, by manipulating the arrow
keys 210 and "Select" button 203 on remote 200.
[0056] If the user selects the "Edit" option in interface 501, a
new user interface 502 as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed by the
system 100. User edit options include "Edit Name," "Delete" and
"Done," which are accessed, for example, by manipulating the arrow
keys 210 and "Select" button 203 on remote 200. Additional options
may also be included as desired by the system implementer and/or
user.
[0057] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary graphic user interface 600 of an
editing menu provided by system 100 upon the user's selection of
the "Edit" option in FIG. 5. Options provided by the user interface
600 include: "Create Folder," which enables the user to create a
folder in which to place recordings; "Move to Folder," which
enables the user to move a recording to a selected folder; "Edit
Name," which enables the user to edit the names of folders or
recordings; "Delete," which enables the user to delete recordings
and folders; and "Done," which enables the user to exit the user
interface 600 and, for example, return to a previous menu such as
the "My Recordings" menu of FIG. 5 or to the program being shown in
the user's display 105. Additional options may also be included as
desired by the system implementer and/or user. For example, an
"Protect" option (not shown) may enable the user to lock access to
selected programs such that only a person with the password or
access code to the lock is able to access the program, thereby
providing a method of limiting access to one or more programs. The
user options may be accessed, for example, by manipulating the
arrow keys 210 and "Select" button 203 on remote 200.
[0058] Upon selection of the "DISH Online" entertainment option
depicted in the user interface 400 of FIG. 4, a user interface
generated by system 100 is displayed, such ash the exemplary user
interface 700 depicted in FIG. 7. This interface 700 enables a user
to select from a number of entertainment options, including "My
Purchases & Rentals," "New Releases," "DISH Theatre" and "After
Hours." Each of these options is described below in detail. The
options may be accessed, for example, by manipulating the arrow
keys 210 and "Select" button 203 on remote 200. Additional or
alternative options (or different names for similar options) may be
included in the "DISH Online" menu.
[0059] In addition, the interface 700 displays a number of
recommendations to the user, entitled "We Recommend." The user may
select one of more of these recommended programs, for example, by
manipulating the arrow keys 210 and "Select" button 203 on remote
200. Upon selection of a recommended program using the "Select"
button 203, details about the recommended program as well as rental
and purchase options may be displayed to enable the user to read
more about the recommended program and to either rent or purchase
the program.
[0060] Recommendations for each user may be generated in a number
of ways as desired by the implementer of the system and/or the
user. For example, recommendations may be generated based upon the
user's program recording and/or rental history and/or viewing
habits, which may be stored as user history data in storage 102.
The user's history may, for example, suggest that the user likes a
certain actor, a certain director, and/or a certain genre or theme
of programs (comedy, action, horror, drama, etc.). This information
may be used to identify other programs having the same or similar
characteristics, which are then displayed as recommendations to the
user.
[0061] Alternatively or additionally, recommendations may be
generated based upon information not related to the individual
user. For example, recommendations may be popular rental or
purchased programs, new releases, etc.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 7, the user interface provides a
"Help" option to the user that enables the user to access
information about "DISH Online" and may provide contact information
in the event the user desires to access customer support services.
The "Done" option enables the user to exit the user interface 700
and, for example, return to a previous menu such as the "DISH on
Demand" menu of FIG. 4 or to the program being shown in the user's
display 105.
[0063] Upon selection of the "My Purchases & Rentals"
entertainment option from user interface 700, system 100 may
display, for example, user interface 800 as depicted in FIG. 8.
This interface 800 displays a list of the programs that have been
previously purchased and rented by the user. This list may include
on-demand programs rented or purchased as described above with
reference to FIG. 3. For purchased programs, the status "Purchase"
may be shown with the purchase date. For rented programs, the
status "Rental" may be displayed along with the rental time
remaining. As the user scrolls through the list of programs, for
example, using arrow keys 210 on remote 200, for each highlighted
program the system 100 may display information about the program,
for example, the program theme (movie, documentary, etc.), the
actors starring in the program, the date of release of the program,
and/or a brief description of the contents of the program. This
feature is depicted in interface 800, wherein the program
"Tombstone" is highlighted and information about the movie is
displayed above the highlighted movie on the display screen.
[0064] Additional information may also be conveyed to the user by
interface 800. For example, rental programs for which there is only
a short time remaining may be highlighted or displayed in a manner
to indicate the short remaining rental time, for example, by
displaying the program in red, by having the listing flash, or by
any other method to draw the user's attention to the program.
Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 may display all
programs having a defined period of rental time or less remaining
at the top of the user's list of purchased and rented programs. The
system 100 may also provide an option to enable the user to renew a
program rental or purchase a rented program.
[0065] User interface 800 in FIG. 8 provides a number of options to
the user, including "Sort," "Edit", "Done" and "Help," which enable
the user to access functionality similar to that described with
reference to interface options of the same name described above.
Notably, the program locking functionality described with reference
to the "Protect" option in interface 600 may be implemented to
limit access to selected programs, as indicated in interface 800 by
the key icon displayed to the right of several programs.
[0066] Upon selection of the "Download List" option of interface
800, the system generates a user interface such as that shown in
FIG. 9. Interface 900 provides a list of downloads to be performed
by system 100 from the remote communication system 140. As shown in
FIG. 9, the program "Better Off Dead" is in the process of being
downloaded, and the horizontal bar indicates the progress of the
downloading process. Additional programs to be downloaded are
listed under the downloading program. The user may select the
"Reorder Queue" option to change the order of scheduled downloads,
view previous downloading history by selecting the "History"
option, edit the download list by selecting the "Edit" option, or
select "Done" or "Help" options (as described above). Also, by
highlighting or selecting a program in the queue, the user may view
estimated downloading time. The options may be accessed, for
example, by manipulating the arrow keys 210 and "Select" button 203
on remote 200.
[0067] FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary user interface 901 that may be
displayed by the system 100 when the user selects the "Reorder
Queue" option in interface 900. As shown in interface 901, for any
selected program in the download queue, the user may select to move
the program up in the queue ("Move Up"), move the program down in
the queue ("Move Down"), or move the program to the top or bottom
of the queue ("Move to Top" and "Move to Last" respectively).
"Done" or "Help" options (as described above with reference to
different user interfaces) are also provided.
[0068] FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary user interface 902 that may be
displayed by system 100 when the user selects the "Edit" option
from interface 900 shown in FIG. 9. "Edit" options include "Select
All," "Deselect All," "Delete," "Protect," "Unprotect" and "Done."
The "Protect" option may enable the user to limit access to
selected programs such that only a person with the password or
access code is able to access the program, thereby providing a
method of limiting access to one or more programs. The "Unprotect"
option may enable the user to remove password protection from
selected programs.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 7, upon selection of the "New
Releases" entertainment option in interface 700, system 100 may
display an interface such as interface 1000 shown in FIG. 10.
Interface 1000 provides a list of new release programs that are
available for rental or purchase as downloads from the remote
communication system 140. Recommendations are also provided, as
discussed above with reference to FIG. 7. The user may select any
of the listed new release programs or recommendations by
highlighting the program, or may select to "Sort" the listing of
available new release programs based upon various sorting criteria,
such as title, recording time and/or date, program theme, etc.
"Done" or "Help" options (as described above) are also
provided.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 7, upon selection of the "DISH
Theatre" entertainment option in interface 700, system 100 may
display an interface such as interface 1100 shown in FIG. 11.
Interface 1100 provides a list of all programs that are available
for rental or purchase as downloads from the remote communication
system 140. Recommendations are also provided, as discussed above
with reference to FIG. 7. The user may select any of the listed
programs or recommendations by highlighting the program, search the
program listing using the "Search" option (see FIG. 12) or select
the "Browse Themes" options that enables the user to see a subset
of the available programs, for example, based upon the type or
genre of program (action, adventure, comedy, romance, foreign,
documentary, mystery, horror, etc.), an example of which is shown
in user interface 1102 in FIG. 11B. Also, the user may select to
"Sort" the listing of available new release programs based upon
various sorting criteria, such as title, recording time and/or
date, program theme, etc. "Done" or "Help" options (as described
above) are also provided.
[0071] An exemplary user interface 1101 that may be displayed when
the user selects a program from the list displayed in either
interface 1000 or 1100 is shown in FIG. 11A. Interface 1101
provides "Rent," "Purchase," "Trailer Fullscreen" (to access the
trailer for the movie), "Done," and "Help" options that may be
selected by the user, for example, using remote 200.
[0072] Upon selection of the "Rent" or "Purchase" option, the
system 100 may display pricing information, time limits for rental
programs (e.g., 24 or 48 hours), estimated download time for the
program, and other information. For example, the interface may
advise the user that the rental time period begins at the start of
the first viewing of the program.
[0073] The new release programs accessed using the "New Releases"
option in interface 700 may be implemented as a subset of the
program library available in the "DISH Theatre" option.
[0074] An exemplary user interface 1200 generated by system 100
that enables the user to access searching functionality for the
list of programs available for rental and/or purchase is shown in
FIG. 12. In user interface 1200, the user may select to search
satellite channels and/or DISH Online listings by keyword, title,
actor, and/or themes. Additional search options may also be
provided as desired by the system implementer and/or user.
[0075] An exemplary search process will now be described in detail
with reference to user interface 1200, 1201, an 1202 (FIGS. 12,
12A, and 12B). When the user selects "DISH Online" for searching,
the system 100 may display user interface 1201 (FIG. 12A), in which
recommendations are displayed to the user (as described above with
reference to FIG. 7). Upon selection of a type of search (e.g.,
keyword, title, actor, themes), a keyboard may be displayed as
shown in interface 1202 (FIG. 12B) to enable the user to enter one
or more words, for example, by using the arrow keys 210 and
"Select" button 203 on remote 200. Upon entry of a letter, system
100 may display a listing of suggested keywords, program titles,
actors, and/or themes beginning with the letter selected by the
user to assist the user in searching.
[0076] After selecting the desired search options shown in
interfaces 1200-1202, the user then selects the "Get Results"
option (or the "Clear Entry" option to start over). The user may
also access search history using the "History" option or return to
the previous menu or current program by selecting "Done."
[0077] With reference to interface 700 in FIG. 7, an "After Hours"
or comparable entertainment option may be provided for adult
entertainment options. Such options may be password protected by
the user to limit access to the adult programming options.
Moreover, a waiver or disclaimer may also be provided prior to
enabling user access to the adult programming options to insure
that users accessing the programs are 18 or older (legal adults).
The programs provided in the "After Hours" option of user interface
700 may be implemented as a program library that is stored and
accessed separately from the program library available through the
"DISH Theatre" option of user interface 700. The adult programs
also may be offered as a separate service option from the remote
communication system 140.
[0078] The entertainment options illustrated as selections in the
user interface menu options in FIGS. 3-12B additionally or
alternatively may be accessed by pressing a dedicated button (not
shown) on the user access device 120 or via any means desired by
the implementer of the system to enable user access to the
entertainment options provided by system 100.
[0079] The exemplary graphic user interfaces described above with
reference to FIGS. 3-12B are intended to provide examples of
interfaces that may be used to provide the functionality of system
100 and are not intended to limit the many possible implementations
of system 100. The functionality and features of the system 100
alternatively may be implemented in any number of different graphic
user interfaces. Additional and/or alternative options or features
may also be included. Moreover, the options and features described
above may be implemented using different graphic user interfaces,
menu selection displays, option labels or names, etc.
[0080] From the above description and drawings, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
particular embodiments shown and described are for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. References to details of particular embodiments
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *